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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson